BGSU Charitable Campaign marks successful debut

The University launched an ambitious new effort this year to help area needy people and organizations. The BGSU Charitable Campaign reached almost 90 percent of its goal, and the amounts given by the campus community were significant—nearly $83,000 on main campus, and another $3,334 at Firelands.

Travis Chapin, coordinator of the campaign’s Core Committee, and Linda Dobb, executive vice president, said many thanks are owed all those who donated to the campaign and those who organized special fund-raising events for additional support.

In addition to its new name, the 2003 BGSU Charitable Campaign introduced two new elements to the traditional United Way fund drive. First, Northwest Ohio Community Shares came on board as another option to which gifts could be directed. This encompassed Wood, Lucas, Ottawa and Fulton counties and brought an additional 23 health and welfare agencies into the fold.

Second, the campaign went online, with electronic pledge cards instead of the standard paper pledges.
Employees could make their pledges from their desktop computers, directing their gifts toward specific programs or agencies if they wished. United Way administered the collection and division of funds.

Undesignated dollars raised through special events will be divided proportionately between United Way and Community Shares, said Tim Tegge, Wood County United Way director.

Firelands’ campaign was solely through United Way and went to Erie County programs.

The Core Committee is reviewing the results of the campaign and looks forward to an even more successful venture next year, said Chapin. Anyone who is interested in being a part of the 2004 Steering Committee should contact him at tchapin@bgnet.bgsu.edu or 2-2837.

The committee will hold a final organizational meeting in March.